Boehner on Obama’s Troop Decision: Listen to Our Commanders

House Speaker John Boehner said he would support President Barack Obama’s decision on drawing down U.S. forces from Afghanistan if he consulted with commanders and diplomats, but is worried about a “precipitous withdrawal.”

House Speaker John Boehner. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

“If the president listens to our commanders on the ground and our diplomats in the region, makes a decision, I’ll be there to support him,” Mr Boehner told reporters Wednesday. “Success in Afghanistan is critically important.”

The Ohio Republican acknowledged that Americans “are a bit weary about Afghanistan, and you can’t blame them,” but he added that the U.S. invaded Afghanistan for the legitimate purpose of overthrowing the Taliban that had given safe haven to al Qaeda terrorists. “We have an awful lot invested there and I’m concerned about a precipitous withdrawal of our troops that would jeopardize the success that we’ve made,” he said.

Mr. Boehner said he hasn’t been given a preview of the speech that Mr. Obama will make at 8 p.m. EDT from the White House announcing the troop drawdown plan. The pullouts are expected to begin in July when the first of the 33,000 so-called surge troops head home.

About Washington Wire

Washington Wire is one of the oldest standing features in American journalism. Since the Wire launched on Sept. 20, 1940, the Journal has offered readers an informal look at the capital. Now online, the Wire provides a succession of glimpses at what’s happening behind hot stories and warnings of what to watch for in the days ahead. The Wire is led by Reid J. Epstein, with contributions from the rest of the bureau. Washington Wire now also includes Think Tank, our home for outside analysis from policy and political thinkers.